Expat Mortgage - USA
US-based UK expats hold one of the strongest currency positions in the expat mortgage market - USD income attracts the smallest haircut (typically 5-15%) of any foreign currency.
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What happens next
- Fill in the form (2 minutes).
- We'll match you with the right specialist for your situation.
- A specialist independent broker will contact you to discuss your options.
UK mortgages from the USA
However, US citizens (as distinct from British nationals in the US) face specific lender restrictions due to FATCA compliance requirements. The brokers we work with advise clearly on the difference and arrange UK mortgages for US-based expats across both categories.
The options available
British National in USA - BTL
UK expats (British nationals) living and working in the USA. USD income treated very favourably - lowest haircut of any currency. W-2 (employed) or 1099 (contractor/self-employed) income evidence accepted. All major specialist expat lenders accept US-based British nationals.
US Citizen UK Property Purchase
US citizens (non-British nationals) living in the US who want to buy UK property. Smaller lender pool than for British nationals in the US due to FATCA. The specialist broker identifies which lenders currently accept US citizen applications. Higher due diligence requirements.
US Citizen UK Resident
US citizens now living in the UK - a distinct situation from overseas US citizens. UK resident US citizens have access to a wider lender panel. FATCA compliance is the primary lender concern - some UK banks still decline US citizens entirely even when UK-resident.
IRS Tax Return Evidence
Form 1040 (US individual tax return) and W-2 (employer wage statement) are the primary income evidence for US-based British expats. Self-employed: 1040 plus Schedule C and two years of returns. These are well-understood by specialist UK lenders with experience in US-based applications.
US East Coast vs West Coast - Time Zone
East Coast (EST/EDT) is 5 hours behind UK. West Coast (PST/PDT) is 8 hours. The specialist we introduce you to manages all client communication and deadline scheduling around US time zones - the mortgage process is fully manageable from any US location.
American Depositary Receipts and RSU Income
US-based finance and tech professionals often have significant income from Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), options, or other equity components. These are assessed differently by lenders - typically the average of 2 years of vested RSU value alongside base salary. The brokers we work with advise on how to present complex US compensation structures.
How We Help
Nationality and FATCA assessment
Your specialist broker establishes whether you are a British national in the US or a US citizen. This determines the lender pool. US citizens require specific FATCA-compliant lenders - the specialist broker identifies which are currently active.
Income structure review
Base salary (W-2 vs 1099), bonus structure, RSU/equity compensation, 401k. The specialist we introduce you to establishes the income evidence package and how each element is assessed.
Lender matching
For British nationals in US: wide specialist lender panel. For US citizens: identified specialist lenders who accept FATCA-compliant applications. Your specialist broker approaches the right lender.
Remote completion
Managed remotely from the US. Identity verification and document execution arranged through US-based UK solicitors or notaries.
Speak to our international mortgage specialists
Call 0204 6211776 · Introductions to specialist expat brokers · All expat locations
For current pricing, lender appetite and how income is assessed, see our guide to expat mortgage rates for USA residents.
Frequently asked questions
What is FATCA and why does it affect UK mortgages for US citizens?
FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) requires non-US financial institutions to report accounts held by US persons to the US IRS. This compliance burden leads some UK mortgage lenders to decline US citizen applications entirely - the reporting requirement is seen as too onerous for the limited business it generates. The FATCA issue affects US citizens as borrowers, not British nationals who happen to live in the US.
I'm a British national living in the US - does FATCA affect me?
No - FATCA applies to US citizens and US residents (for US tax purposes). A British national working in the US on a Skilled Worker (H-1B equivalent) or other visa, who files UK tax returns and not US 1040, is not a FATCA-reportable person for UK lenders. Your USD income is simply treated as overseas income with the standard currency haircut.
What is the USD currency haircut for UK mortgages?
USD income typically attracts the smallest haircut of any foreign currency - typically a 5-15% reduction from the spot rate conversion. A USD 200,000 salary might be assessed at approximately USD 180,000 sterling equivalent before the actual GBP conversion is applied. This compares to 15-25% haircuts for less stable currencies.
Can I use my US 401k as evidence of assets for a UK mortgage?
401k balances contribute to your overall net worth picture and can be referenced in specialist lender applications. They are not usable as a deposit (early withdrawal attracts significant US penalties) - but demonstrating that significant retirement assets exist alongside the UK mortgage application strengthens the overall case. The brokers we work with advise on how to present US retirement assets.
What SDLT applies to US-based buyers of UK property?
US-based buyers are non-UK residents for SDLT purposes. The 2% non-resident surcharge applies. For BTL purchases, this stacks with the 5% additional dwelling surcharge and standard rates. The specialist broker calculates the specific SDLT liability before application.